If you’re an Australian planning to live in Spain long-term — for retirement, work, or adventure — you’ll need a Spanish visa. Spain offers several visa categories tailored to Australians with different goals, from digital nomads and retirees to students and professionals.
This guide explains the main types of Spanish visas for Australians, including eligibility, application requirements, timelines, and how our legal team at Borderless Lawyers can assist you at every stage.
🛂 Do Australians need a visa for Spain?
You don’t need a visa for short stays — Australians can visit Spain (and the Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period visa-free. However, if you want to stay longer or reside in Spain, you’ll need to apply for a national (long-stay) visa from a Spanish consulate in Australia.
📋 Main Spanish Visas for Australians
Each of these visas has different conditions depending on your lifestyle and long-term plans:
🔹 1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Best for: Retirees, Australians with passive income
-
You cannot work in Spain
-
Must show sufficient financial means (approx. €2,400/month + €600 per dependent)
-
Requires private health insurance (with full coverage in Spain)
-
Must apply from within Australia
-
Renewable and leads to long-term residency
✅ Common among Australians retiring early or living on investments/rentals.
🔹 2. Digital Nomad Visa
Best for: Remote workers and freelancers
-
Must prove you work for non-Spanish clients or companies
-
Income requirement: ~€2,600/month (more for families)
-
Must show a 1-year work history or business activity
-
Eligible for a special tax regime (Beckham Law – 24% flat tax up to €600,000)
-
Valid for 1 year, renewable, and leads to permanent residency
✅ Great for location-independent professionals based in Australia.
🔹 3. Student Visa
Best for: Australians enrolled in university, language courses, or academic programs
-
Requires proof of enrollment at a recognized Spanish institution
-
Must demonstrate sufficient funds and health coverage
-
Allows limited part-time work (up to 20 hours/week)
-
Renewable annually for multi-year degrees
✅ Ideal for students seeking a legal path to later transition into residency.
🔹 4. Work Visa (Highly Qualified Worker or Self-Employment)
Best for: Australians with Spanish job offers or freelance businesses
-
Employer must apply for a work permit before your arrival
-
Self-employed Australians need a full business plan and financial forecasts
-
Work visa is harder to get unless the role is on Spain’s shortage occupation list
-
Includes enrollment in Spanish social security
✅ Suitable for Australians in specialized fields (tech, science, international business).
🔹 5. EU Family Member Visa
Best for: Australians married to or dependent on an EU/Spanish citizen
-
Simplified application with fast-track residency
-
Allows full work and study rights
-
Renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years
-
You must reside together in Spain
✅ One of the most flexible and powerful visa options if eligible.
📑 General Visa Requirements
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Valid Australian passport (min. 6 months) | ✅ |
| Completed visa application form | ✅ |
| Passport-sized photos (x2) | ✅ |
| Proof of income or employment | ✅ |
| Private health insurance | ✅ |
| Criminal background check (AFP) | ✅ |
| Medical certificate | ✅ |
| Proof of accommodation in Spain | ✅ |
| Document translations (into Spanish) | ✅ |
| Apostilles for official documents | ✅ |
📌 We help clients legalize and translate all documents to meet Spanish consulate standards.
🕒 Where to Apply in Australia?
Spanish visa applications must be submitted in person at the Spanish Consulate General in your jurisdiction:
-
Sydney – NSW, QLD, NT
-
Melbourne – VIC, TAS, SA
-
Canberra – ACT and diplomatic jurisdiction
⏱️ Application timelines vary but typically take 4 to 8 weeks depending on the visa type and consulate capacity.
🔁 Visa Renewals & Residency
| Visa Type | Initial Validity | Renewability |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative Visa | 1 year | Renew for 2 + 2 yrs |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 1 year | Renewable to 5 yrs |
| Student Visa | Course duration | Renewable annually |
| Work Visa | 1 year | Renewable |
| EU Family Visa | 5 years | Renewable + PR |
✅ After 5 years of continuous legal residence, Australians can apply for permanent residency in Spain.
⚠️ Common Visa Application Mistakes to Avoid
| ❌ Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Applying for the wrong visa | Leads to rejection or legal issues later |
| Submitting incomplete documents | Delays or denial of application |
| Missing apostilles or translations | Application won’t be accepted |
| Assuming short stays are extendable | Tourist stays can’t be extended inside Spain |
| Not preparing a full income or tax plan | Can cause future residency renewal issues |
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps Australians Get Approved
✔️ We help you choose the best visa for your needs
✔️ Prepare and review every document to meet legal requirements
✔️ Handle certified translations and apostilles
✔️ Submit and monitor your application (remotely or via power of attorney)
✔️ Advise on next steps for residency, renewals, or tax
✔️ Represent you in Spain if needed (real estate, NIE, local authorities)
✅ We bridge the legal gap between Australia and Spain — so you never feel lost in the process.
📞 Call to Action
Need help applying for your Spanish visa from Australia?
We take care of every legal and immigration step — so you can focus on the move.